Laois local election poster bans not legally enforceable

Local bans on election posters cannot be legally enforced but councillors want to hear from the Laois Federation of Tidy Towns to find where they will not be acceptable.

The use of posters during the local elections emerged at a recent meeting in County Hall where councillors sought the advice of Laois County Council staff.

Cllr James Kelly, independent, asked if there is a list of tidy towns groups which do not want posters in their towns or villages.

“I know that legally (the bans) are not binding but you have to row in with the tidy towns,” he said.

Cllr Paddy Bracken, Fianna Fáil, believe that all the groups in the Federation were opposed to posters.

Borris-in-Ossory Mountmellick Municipal District Cathaoirleach Cllr John King asked Director of Services Donal Brennan if any of the towns in the area would allow posters.

Mr Brennan replied.

“Legally the posters can be put up from May 8 but a number of tidy towns groups would have asked that there would be no posters in their towns within the speed limits. It is not a legal thing but just a quest from the tidy towns.

“I could ask the council’s tidy towns officer to ask the groups as to what areas have requested that there would not be posted,” he said.

Mr Brenan advised the outgoing councillors to use discretion when deciding on where to erect posters during their campaigns,” he said.

The law requires election posters to be removed within seven days of voting.

Citizens Information guide on posters and leaflets

There are rules governing posters and leaflets, and other forms of advertising during an election campaign:

• Posters can only be hung on poles with the permission of the pole owner
• Leaflets cannot be left under windscreen wipers
• Posters must carry the name and address of the printer
• Posters should not cause any disruption to road users

Laws on election posters and leaflets do not cover:

• Posters erected on private land (with the owner’s permission)
• Billboard advertisements, which come under regular planning laws
• Cars or trucks with election signage or pictures, so long as the signage is secured
• Local authorities have powers to remove posters where it is in the public interest to do so.

When can candidates put up election posters?

Candidates can put up posters 30 days before the polling date, or from the date that the ministerial polling day order, whichever is the shortest period.

On polling day, campaigning is forbidden, and posters must not be displayed within 50 metres of a polling station.

Failure to remove election posters within 7 days after the polling date is an offence.